Lactalis UK & Ireland introduces Leerdammer spreadable cheese

UK – Lactalis UK & Ireland, a regional operator of Lactalis Group, has launched a new spreadable cheese under its Leerdammer brand, expanding beyond its well-known sliced cheese range.

The new Leerdammer Original Spreadable 125g offers consumers a versatile option, ideal for sandwiches, crackers, bagels, and light snacks.

With a creamy texture that maintains the iconic taste of Leerdammer cheese, this product aims to cater to a wider audience, including those seeking quick, convenient, and delicious meal solutions.

Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, group marketing director for Lactalis UK & Ireland, commented: “This is a hugely exciting time for Leerdammer as we take the brand into new categories. There is a clear gap in the market for a mild, continental cheese spread, and we feel that the ever-popular Leerdammer brand is the perfect fit. We can’t wait to add something new to the spreadable fixture with this launch.”

Lactalis UK & Ireland’s move to introduce a spreadable version of Leerdammer reflects broader industry trends, where brands are innovating to meet changing consumer preferences.

Lactalis invests US$55M in USA cheese market 

Recently, Lactalis expanded its presence in the USA cheese market with a substantial investment of US$55 million into its Tulare, California, facility. 

The expansion aims to meet growing consumer demand for feta cheese, particularly under the company’s well-known Président brand. 

The project includes a new 38,000-square-foot manufacturing line that began partial operations earlier this year and is expected to be fully operational by 2027. 

In addition to boosting feta production, the expansion will create significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 100 contract roles during construction and 20 full-time positions once the project is complete. 

Esteve Torrens, CEO of Lactalis’ U.S. operations, highlighted the importance of the expansion for meeting increased demand from American consumers and retailers​

Lactalis acquired the Tulare facility as part of its 2020 purchase of several Kraft Heinz cheese assets. 

This plant produces a range of dairy products, including Kraft Parmesan, Kraft sweet whey powder, and Knudsen Cottage Cheese and Sour Cream, contributing to Lactalis’ robust USA market footprint. 

The Tulare expansion is part of Lactalis’ larger strategic investments across North and South America; the company recently announced a US$3.2 million investment in one of its facilities in Colombia, aimed at increasing capacity to support its regional growth ambitions. 

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